Pamplemousse had figured out their plan. Security at marble sports venues was getting better at recognizing their uniform, so for Marble League 2022, they’d don a disguise.
Our mischief-loving Limers fan sported a dark green jersey in the middle of the Jungle Jumpers fan section. Security did not bat an eye at this pack of bongo-drumming fans when they rolled into the Stadium. Pamplemousse stood next to the stand edge for the rest of the day and watched the 2022 Showdown roll out beneath them.
There were a few ideas they toyed around with: maybe they could rush the grounds like a streaker or climb up the stadium rafters and yell out something raunchy about the Pond Duck. But, into the final event, the Jumpers themselves settled the plan.
“Hey, you to the left!” said Pamplemousse to a Jumpers fan. “We’re fighting with the Hazers and Solar Flares to escape relegation next year. Wouldn’t you be so mad if those teams pipped it from us?”
“Can you please stop the distractions? We watch what’s happening,” said the fan from Lewara before turning away.
There would have been some good mayhem if Captain Jump flubbed the Sand Rally, and Pamplemousse could have stirred up a fan riot. The exact opposite took place. The Jumper pressed relentlessly for every overtake until they collapsed into the finish line basin and heard Greg Woods over the intercom:
“The Jungle Jumpers, it appears, get by! And will do enough!”
Before Pamplemousse could get a word in, the Jumpers fans rushed out of their section and down the stairs. They poured out onto the stadium grounds, pounding their drums, cheering, and hugging the team members at the Pond.
Pamplemousse was alone up in their section. To their right, they also noticed the Hazers fan section streaming out the gates. Three minutes later, it was like a fog had fully lifted, leaving merely some team signs on the seats.
That afternoon, Pamplemousse loitered outside the Athlete’s Village when a voice called out. “Hi, aren’t you that Limer fan?”
“You’re that Jumper,” said Pamplemousse to Captain Hop rolling over to them. The Jungle Jumper replied: “Hopefully, we still remember each other from last year.”
“You made some good saves this season for your team. I know doing that is not easy,” said Pamplemousse.
To that, Hop burst out laughing. “Oh, do you now! Shouldn’t you say you would leave me in the dust any day?” The Limer fan replied: “No, because I tried and failed.”
To the Jumpers Captain’s surprise, Pamplemousse told Hop they were an amateur athlete long ago. They raced two seasons under the Pomelo Power in the Fruit Circuit, finished near the bottom, and quit marble sports for odd jobs around Marblearth.
“But I’m addicted to marble sports… I love seeing the action. I love seeing the fans,” concluded Pamplemousse. “That’s why I try to show up! I want to feel like I’m still in the thick of it.”
“Marble sports changed a lot from your days, you know,” said Hop. “Even minor league teams have sponsors and lots of background support. You must’ve heard about these technical directors the Pinkies and the Wisps invested in.”
Before Pamplemousse could make a spicy quip, Hop turned to them and asked: “Is that a role you would be interested in?”
It took some time before Pamplemousse replied: “Is this a joke?”
“Why not, Pamp?” said Hop. “You know a lot about marble sports. You can go to Lewara with us and help us qualify next year. We don’t have a big budget, but you’ll be rewarded with our fans, the best in the League. They’ll prepare the greatest feast on Marblearth for you to show their gratitude.
“Just answer me however you want. Both of us are here because we love the sport. All I’m offering is one more shot.”
Could Pamplemousse imagine driving on the highway to Lewara? Could they imagine running drills with the Jumpers, goofing around with young Lewarans, or drifting on the Raceforest circuit? They could, and real emotions swelled up inside them.
But, for now, Pamplemousse looked at the Hazers athletes streaming out of the Athlete’s Village, each lengths apart from the other.
“Hold on, Hop,” said Pamplemousse. “Those marbles just got relegated. Let’s cheer them up a little.”
Credits
- Writer: Fouc
- Artist: Toffeeshop
- Photographer: Jelle’s Marble Runs
- Reference: Marble League 2022
- Release: 18/12/2022
Project Marblearth 